Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Awareness
Kishwaukee College is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students. This page provides information and resources to raise awareness, prevent sexual misconduct, and support those who have been affected.
Sexual Assault & Misconduct
Members of the Kishwaukee College community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from gender-based or sexual misconduct, as well as from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. College procedures pertaining to gender-based or sexual misconduct are contained in the Student Code of Conduct located in the College Catalog and the Director of Student Success office.
The College’s first concern for an individual who has been the target of any act of gender-based or other sexual misconduct is that person’s safety and well-being. Confidential resources are available to provide support services to victims. It is recommended that a confidential resource be consulted before making a formal report.
Kishwaukee College Advisors are available to confidentially assist students and refer to Safe Passage and other resources if appropriate and desired. To schedule an appointment with an Advisor, call Student Services at 815-825-9375.
Reports made to the Sheriff’s Office, Title IX Coordinator or Director of Student Success will be considered formal reports to the College and will be investigated through administrative procedures.
- Executive Director Human Resources • C1101 • 815-825-9732 (Title IX Coordinator)
- Vice President of Student Services • C2165 • 815-825-9807 (Title IX Coordinator)
- DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office • C2177 • 815-825-9529 (On-Campus Law Enforcement)
Community Resources
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Safe Passage: 24-hour crisis line for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
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815-756-5228
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HOPE of Ogle County Domestic Violence Services
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815-562-8890
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Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Child Abuse: Child Abuse Hotline
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800-252-2873
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Police Department Emergency
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Dial 9-1-1
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DeKalb Crisis Line
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866-242-0111
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Rockford Sexual Assault
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800-564-8441
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Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center
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866-BGC-0111
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Sinnissippi Center, Inc. of Ogle County
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800-242-7642
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Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital
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815-756-1521
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Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital, Sandwich
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815-786-8484
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Rochelle Community Hospital
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815-562-2181
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DeKalb County State’s Attorney
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815-895-6521
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Ogle County State’s Attorney
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815-732-1170
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Sexual Assault and Abuse: Sexual Assault Hotline
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815-758-7922
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Suicide Hotline: 24-Hour Suicide Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE)
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800-784-2433
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National Center for Victims of Crime
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800-394-2255
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National Domestic Violence Hotline
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800-799-SAFE
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National Sexual Assault Hotline
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800-656-HOPE
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Be An Active Bystander
Bystander intervention can prevent violence. Step Up. Be proactive. Watch out for your friends and classmates. If you come across someone who looks like they are in trouble, check in with them and make sure they are OK. If you see someone doing something suspicious, say something. Three common ways to intervene:
- Direct approach — If you feel comfortable, make your presence known. “Hey, I’m concerned for your safety, do you need help?” or “Hey are you okay?” or “You know what? It’s time for us to go.”
- Distracting approach — Make something up to either get the person to safety such as, “Your sister is on the phone for you.” Or to get the aggressor to leave the situation, try, “Hey, buddy your car is being towed,” or “I dropped my phone, can you help me move this couch?”
- Delegation approach — Locate the person’s friends or the police to have them intervene. Ask for others to take certain actions. For example, ask them not to leave the person out of their sight.
How can I reduce my risk of sexual assault?
- Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around may help you find a way to get out of a bad situation.
- Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
- Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
- Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags because this can make you appear more vulnerable.
- Make sure your cellphone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
- Don’t allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
- Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
- When you go to a social gathering, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check-in with each other throughout the evening, and leave together. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you find a way out of a bad situation.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut. If you see something suspicious, contact law enforcement immediately. Local authorities can be reached by calling 9-1-1 in most areas of the U.S.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom or making a phone call. If you’ve left your drink alone, get a new one.
- Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know or trust. If you choose to accept a drink, go with the person to the bar to order it, watch it being poured, and carry it yourself. At parties, don’t drink from the punch bowls or other large, common open containers.
- Watch out for your friends, and vice versa. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they’ve had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe place immediately.
- If you suspect you or a friend has been drugged, contact law enforcement immediately. Local authorities can be reached by calling 9-1-1 in most areas of the U.S. Be explicit with doctors so they can give you the correct tests (you will need a urine test and possibly others).
From RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).